As he took in Clara's confession, Mark leaned forward, voice low and serious.
"Clara, are you absolutely sure?"
His brows drew together. "Because once you start this, there's no backing down. I want you to be sure, and remember, you can change your mind at any point."
Clara didn't hesitate.
"Yes. I'm sure."
Her fingers tightened around the stem of her glass as Mark let out a slow breath.
"Okay. Then we'll proceed. But I'll still give you more time to be sure before we officially start the legal process because.."
Clara looked at him, waiting.
"Divorce will be messy enough," Mark said gently. "But custody, Clara, custody will make everything ten times worse. The Ashfords aren't going to hand the boy over. Not without a fight."
"I know," she whispered. "But I have to try. I'm his mother."
Mark nodded.
"Yes. And that matters. But in court, so do years of documented care, a stable environment, financial capability, and the child's emotional attachment to his current home."
